1962 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1997 Dodge Viper
To start off, 1997 Dodge Viper is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Viper (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. (251 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Viper weights approximately 250 kg more than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Dodge Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. (475 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Chevrolet Corvette | 1997 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Corvette | Viper |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 7990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
